Rotary steam engine



Jan. 25, v193s.

L. W. DOWNWARD ROTARY STEAM ENGINE Original Filed Aug. 14, 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet l j. Mamma/1d, 21mm Jan. 25, 1938. L, W, DQWNWARD 2,106,371

' ROTARY STEAM ENGINE Original Filed Aug. 14, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jig. 2'.

mi Y@ Jan. 25, '1938. "1 1 w. DowNwARD 2,106,371

ROTARY STEAM ENGINE original Filed Aug. 14, 1953 7 sheets-sheet 3 Jan. 25, 1938. l.. w. DowNwARD l .2,106,371

ROTARY STEAM ENGINE original Filed Aug. 14, 1933 7 sheets-sheet 4 Jan. 25, 1938. W- DOWNWARD 2,106,371

ROTARY STEAM ENGINE A Original Filed Aug. 14, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheetv 5 l I 55- 'v ffm.

Jan. 25, 1938.' L w, DOWNWARD l 2,106,371

, ROTARY STEAM ENGINEy Original Filed Aug. 14, 1953 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Jan. 25, 1938. L. w. DowNwARD I ROTARY STEAM ENGINE Original Filed Aug. 14, 1933 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 lllllmuL'l'h Patented Jan. 25, 1938 ROTARY STEAM ENGINE Leslie W. Downward, Wilmington,

to The Downward Turbine Corporation,

Del., assigner Wilm'ington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application August 14,

1933, Serial No. 685,139

Renewed September 16, 1936 21 Claims.

This invention relates to rotary steam engines of the combined impact and expansion type, and particularly to such engines as include a group of rotors connected to a common shaft, within a casing, and adapted to receive steam successively, one from another.

An object of the invention is to provide an engine of the type mentioned which shall be so constructed as to permit of the steam being rst admitted to the center rotor and then distributed, in' opposite directions, to the remaining rotors.

Another object is to provide reversing mechanism for an engine of the type mentioned, whereby the same may be reversed when operating at a high rate of speed.

A further object is to provide a novel stator and a novel rotor for steam engines of the type mentioned.

With these objects in View, as well as others which will be apparent as the description proceeds, the invention resides in the construction now to be described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which Figure V1 is a side elevation with a part broken away and part in section.

Figure 2 is an end view with parts in section.

Figure 3 is a vertical, longitudinal section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, with parts in elevation.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line -II of Figure l.

Figure 5 is a vertical longitudinal fragmentary section through the center o r primary rotor.

Figure 6 is a section on line 6-6 of Figure 5.

Figure 'l is a view showing one side of a flange of the center rotor with other parts of the center rotor in elevation.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the opposit-e side of the center rotor ilange.

Figure 9 is a horizontal section thro-ugh the ports of the center rotor with other parts of the rotor in elevation.

Figure 10'shows the construction of the outer reversing rings of the center rotor.

Figure l1 illustrates the inner reversing rings cf the center rotor. l

Figure 12 illustrates an inner primary blade,

in detail. Y

Figure 13 illustrates an outer primary blade, in detail.

gure 14 is a side elevation of a portion 'of one of the stators, with a part broken away.

Figure 15 illustrates the marginal face of one of the stators Awith a part broken away to expose the blades.

Figure 16 is a section on line I6I6 of Figure Figure 1'7 is a view of the marginal portion of a stator with its parts separated.

Figure 18 is a detail view illustrating one of the stator blades.

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view showing a side of a marginal portion of one of the secondary rotors, with a, part broken away, also illustrating a portion of the engine casing.

Figure 20 is a sectional view 20-20 of Figure 19.

Figure 21 illustratespthe marginal face of a secondary rotor with a part broken away.

Figure 22 is a fragmentary view illustrating a portion of the inner face of one of the rings of a secondary rotor. l y

Figure 23 is a similar view of another ring of a secondary rotor.

Figure 24 is a detail view illustrating a secondary rotor latch.

Figure 25 is a detail view of the throttle valve.

Figure 26 is a detail view illustrating a portion of the mechanism for manipulating the stator blades.

Figure 27 is a similar' view of a portion of the mechanism for manipulating the rotor blades.

Figure 28 is a detail view illustrating one of the primary rotor latches.

Figure 29 is a detail view showing the latch taken on the line mechanism of the primary rotor, togetherwithl a modified form of rim.

Figure 30 illustrates the latch mechanism of a secondary rotor.

Figure 31 is a detail view.

As shown in the drawings, 6 represents the engine base which supports a casing l formed of a rim member 8 having cover plates 9 and I0 secured to and closing its opposite ends. This rim member, as will be clearly seen in Figure 3, is ared outwardly from its central portion, in opposite directions, along straight lines, so that the inner face 8a of the central portion is transversely at, while the ared marginal portions present inner faces 8b and 8c, at an angle to the face 8a. Formed through the face 8a are the inclined steam inlet ports II, I2, I3, and I4. Extending axlally of the rim member, and journaled in steam-tight bearings at the centers of the cover plates, is the drive-shaft I5, to which the rotors aol are keyed or otherwise secured. While an engine t of the present type may be provided with any number of rotors, within the limit of expansion of the steam employed, the form now illustrated and described will be limited to three, as to increase the number will require only a change in the dimensions of certain parts and a duplication of others.

The group of three rotors includes a center or primary rotor I6 and two secondary rotors and 8, positioned at opposite sides of the primary rotor and spaced therefrom. 'I'he secondary rotors are identically constructed and interposed between them and the primary rotor, one at either side of the latter, are the identically constructed stators, I9 and 20. The peripheries of the rotors are spaced from the casing rim only to a sufcient degree to prevent friction during rotation and a similar space exists between the sides of the rotors and stators but the latter are securely attached or anchored to the rim 8, to prevent their rotation. The inner faces of the cover plates 9 and IB are so constructed as to act as stators also, the details of which construction will be described later herein. These cover plates 9 and I0 are provided with exhaust ports 2|` and 22, respectively, having the exhaust pipes 23 and 24 which communicate with the atmosphere through the medium of an exhaust passage 25, formed in the base, and having an outlet 26.

The central or primary rotor I6, illustrated in detail in Figures 3 to 12, is the first to receive the steam. It includes two identically constructed sections 2'| and 28, each consisting of a hub portion 29, keyed to the shaft l5, a web portion 33 and a rim portion 3|, the web portion being connected to thehub and rim portions at one side thereof, so that when the hub and rim portions are brought into contact, the webs will also contact, as shown in Figures 3 and 5. They are thus held by means of screws or other suitable fastening means passing through the Webs.

The outer face of the rim of the primary rotor` |'6 has the marginal transversely flat portions 32 and inwardly inclined portions 33, terminating at a central circumscribing arcuate rib 34. Extending radially from each of the inclined portions 33 is a flange 35 having a continuous series of transverse ports 35 at its base and in the inner opposed faces of these flanges, outwardly ofthe said ports, are continuous channels 3'| in which are rotatably mounted the inner reversing rings 38. By reference to Figures '7 and 9 it will be seen that those portions of the outer faces of the flanges 35, lying between the ports 36 and extending outwardly therefrom for an approximately equal distance, are gradually raised towards their centers, along inwardly curved lines, to produce radial ribs 35a bounded at opposite sides by elongated pockets 35h.

Mounted on the flanges 35, and extending entirely around the primary rotor, isa series of inner primary blades 39, one of which is shown in detailin Figure 12. Each of these blades includes an outer wedge-shaped section 40 and an inner section 4|, adapted to be hinged together, the latter section having spaced perforated ears 4|a, between which is an ear 40a formed on the l section 4|). The extremities of these ears are rounded and fit snugly in corresponding recesses in the adjacent faces of the sections, to. form a practically steam-tight joint therebetween. The section 40 -is provided with oppositely extending trunnions 4Gb and the sectionl4| has an elongated passage 4|b extending therethrough. These trunnions 40h are snugly pivoted in oppositelyarranged sockets 42 formed in the inner faces of the flanges 35 so as to support the sections 48, the sections 4| being supported from the sections 40 by means of pivot pins 43 passing through the perforations of the ears 40a and 4|a of the blade sections and projecting therebeyond, at'both sides, the projecting ends being seated in radially elongated sockets 44 (see Figure 1-1) in the mutually opposite faces of the inner reversing rings 38. Screws 45 pass through one of the flanges 35 and are threaded onto the other flange, with their intermediate portions passing through the elongated passages 4|?) of the blade sections 4|, to form rock shafts for the latter. l

Positioned on each side of the transversely flat portions 32 of the rim 3|, andextending entirely therearound, is a series of primary reversing blades 46, one of which is illustrated in detail in Figure 13. These reversing blades are identically constructed and include a rectangular -body having opposite concave and convex marginal faces 46a, and 46h, respectively, and flat upper and lower marginal faces 46C and 46d. Projecting from these latter faces, in staggered relation, are trunnions 41 and 48. The trunnions 4`| rest in sockets 49 in the faces 32, while the trunnions 48 are positioned for sliding and pivotal movement in elongated sockets 50, formed in the under faces of a pair of outer reversing rings 5|, rotatably mounted against and slidably contacting with the outer radial faces of the flanges 35. As shown in Figure 10, the sockets 5U open into both the inner marginal face and the inner radial face of each of the rings 5|. The outer and inner reversing rings 5| and 38 are connected together by screws 52, which pass through slots 53, in the flanges 35.

Mounted at opposite sides of the primary rot-or I6 and rigidly secured to the flaring faces 8b and 8c of the casing rim 8 are the stators I9 and 20, and, as these are identically constructed, a description of one will suffice for both. As shown particularly in Figures 14 to 18, the stator I9 comprises a disk 54 having a central hub 55, in

which the shaft I5 rotates, and a laterally pro-V jecting circumscribing shoulder 56, spaced in wardly from its periphery. Spaced outwardly from the periphery of the disk 54, concentric therewith and slightly thicker than the said disk, is a stator ring 51 having a series of radial perl forations 58, entirely therearound and in line. with a series of corresponding pockets 58a in the peripheral face of the said disk. Snugly fitting the shoulder 55, at its outer end, is a ring 53 and spaced outwardly from this ring, concentric therewith, is a second stator ring 60. Extending entirely around this stator ring-is a series of radial perforations 6|, in line with a similar series of through the shoulder 56.

Rotatably mounted on the shoulder 55,v Ibetween the stator rings 51 and 60, is a stator blade reversing ring 62 formed of two spaced concentric outer and inner sections 62a and 62h, respectively, the former having a continuous series of rectangular notches 62e in its inner peripheral face,

these notches being in alignment with a corresponding series of radial perforations 62d in the inner section 62h. This inner section flts snugly, but slidably, between the margin of the disk 54 and the ring 59, but .the outer ring-section 62a is somewhat more loosely fitted'between the rings 5l and 59, with its outer and inner marginal faces inset, with respect to the corresponding faces of the said rings. By referring to Figure 16, it will be seen that the outer.v peripheral faces of ring '59,

the inner ring section B2b, and the disk 54, arein horizontal alignment and are in a plane parallel with the axis of the shaft, while the adjacent inner faces of the rings 58 and 68 are aligned at a slight angle thereto. It will also be seen that the outer peripheral faces of these latter rings are cut at an angle so as to tightly t the flaring face 8b of the casing'rim 8. f

Mounted on pivot pins 63, each having an end supported in one of the perforations 62d and an end resting in one of the notches 62e, are stator blades 64, one of which is illustrated in detail in Figure 18. These stator blades are formed o'f two sections 65 and 66, the latter being wedge-shaped and being hinged to the former by an ear 66a formed thereon and positioned between two ears 65a on the former section, these ears being perforated to receive the pivotipins 63. The blade sections 65 and 66 are provided with slots 65h and 66h, respectively, vparallel with the perforations of the ears. Passing through the slots 66h are anchor pins 61, having their ends tightly fitted in the perforations" 5 8 and pockets 58a, and passing through the slots 65h are similar pins 68 having their ends tightly fitted in the perforations BI and 6Ia. While the outer end face of the blade section 66 is brought to a comparatively sharp edge, as illustrated, the corresponding end of the adjoining section is concave and faces in the direction of travel of the steam. As shown in Figure 16, these stator blades fit snugly in the space between the rings 58 and 68, and the ring 59, the reversing-ring 'section 62h and the disk 54. Equally spaced around the stator, near thernargin` thereof, are a suitable number of stop-pins 69 passing through slots 69a inthe reversing-ring section 62a, and having their ends tightly fitted in openings 69h in the rings 51 and 68. Projecting radially from the outer edge of the reversing-ring section 62a, is an ear 10 having a transverse pin 1I for a purpose to be set forth later herein.

Secured to the drive .shaft I5, beyond the stators I9 and 20, are the secondary rotors I1 and I8. As these are also identically constructed, one only will be described. The secondary rotor I1, which is illustrated in detail in Figures 19 to 24 includes a hub 12 and a rim 13, connected by a dished web 14. By reference to Figure 20, it will be noted that the hub portion is somewhat longer than the width of the rim and is slightly offset with respect thereto, so that one of its ends projects into the stator I9, as. shown in Figure 3, and bears against its relatively short hub portion 55. On one side of the rim 13 is a radial ange 15 and outwardly of this isa concentrically spaced ring 16, having a laterally projecting continuous shoul- `der 16a at the base of its inner wall, and a conin line with similar perforations 88a and 88h,

through the ring 18 and the adjacent portion of the rim 13. Rotatably mounted between the,

rings 16 and 19, and resting on the aligned outer faces of their shoulders 16a and 19a, is 'an outer reversing-ring 8I having a rectangular rib 8Ia projecting from its inner marginal face and extending downwardly between the shoulders 16a and 19a and in contact therewith. This rib 8Ia is out through from side to side to form pockets 8Ib bounded at their opposite sides by the op'- posing faces of the said shoulders. An inner reversing-ring 82 rotates on the rim 13, between the 1- parts 15 and 18, and is provided with a continuous series of perforations 82a, in line with the pockets, 8 Ib of the outer reversing-ring.

Mounted on pivot pins 83, having their inner ends tightly fitted in the perforations 82a. of the inner reversing-ring, and their ends accommodated in the-pockets 8Ib, are secondary rotor blades 84, identical in construction to the stator blades 64, illustrated in Figure 18. These are formed of the hinged sections 85 and 86, the former corresponding in shape to the section of the stator blade 64,' andthe latter corresponding in shape to the section 66 of the same. The section 85 has a slot 85a, and the section 86 a slot 86a, and passing through the former slot, with its ends tightly held in the perforations 88 and 88a is an anchor pin 81, a similar pin 88 having its ends correspondingly held in the perforations 11 and 11a, with its intermediate portion loosely positioned in the slot 86a.

By referring to Figure 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that the cover plates 9 and I8 of the engine casing ar` dished, resulting in marginal portions 9a and Illa, for attachment to the casing rim 8, and inclined intermediate portions 9b and I8b. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the inner face of cach of these cover plates is provided with 'y `oted dn a pin 9Ia, this latch being illustrated in detail in Figure 28. As shown, the outer edge of the latch is curved and projects beyond the -periphery of thereversing ring, and extending laterally from its inner edge is a wing 92 which projects outwardly from the recess 90, through an opening 98a, in the inner side wall thereof and into a recess 93 sunk in the contacting side face of the adjacent flange 35. pending lug 94 at the center of its upper wall, to form a pocket 94a, at each side thereof, these pockets being adapted to alternately receive the projecting end of the wing 92.

Engaged beneath the free end of the latch 9I is an end of a coil spring 95, its other end being seated'in a recess in the ring. This spring holds Vthe outer curved edge of the latch normally beyond the marginal face of thev reversing ring 5I and in the path of a certain portion of the reversing mechanism to be described later herein. The structure just described is duplicated at the diametrically opposite edge of the primary rotor.

The secondary rotors -I1 and I8`a`re each provided with a latch mechanism similar to that of the primary rotor.- The secondary rotor latch, which is illustrated in detail in Figure 24, and which is numbered 96, is identical with the latch 9|, excepting that it has a wing 91 extending from each of its sides. The latch 96 is pivoted in a recess 98 in the marginal face of the outer reversing ring, upon a pivot pin 96a, with its wings 91 projecting through vopenings 98ain the side walls of This recess 93 has'a dethe recess and into recesses SQ formed in the adjacent walls of the rings 'it and 19. These recesses 89 have depending lugs |00 corresponding to the lugs 94, and at each side thereof are pockets lili adapted to alternately receive the wings gl. A coil spring '|02 bearing, at one end against the under side of the free end of the latch and having its other end resting in a socket in the ring, holds the outer curved edge ofthe latch normally beyond the plane of the marginal face of the ring and in the path of an additional portion of the reversing mechanism to be described later. As is the case with the primary rotor, the mechanism just described is duplicated at the diametrically opposite sides of the secondary rotors.

The arrangement for manipulating the reversing ring of the rotors and statorswill now be described.

As shown in Figures 2 and 4, projections |03 are formed on diamet'rically opposite sides of the casing rim 8 and extend completelyv` across the outer face thereof, the casing rim being divided horizontally along the line |04, passing through these projections. The two sections of the casing rim, thus produced, are held together by means of the cover plates 9 and l0, Vand the joint between the two sections is rendered steam-tight, as 'at |05. Extending from each of the projections |03 is a series of four bosses, the inner two of each series ing numbered |06 and the outer two being numbered |01, the bosses |06 being in line with the reversing rings of the center rotor, while those numbered |01 are in alignment with the reversing rings of the secondary rotors. These bosses are bored through into the engine casing, as at |08 and slidably disposed in the bores of the bosses |08 are plungers |08a, identically constructed plungers |0;1abeing correspondingly mounted in the bores Yof the bosses |01. Each of these plungers has, on its inner end, a head |00, normally resting in a correspondingly shaped recess l I0 lin the inner face of the rim, the exposed faces of these heads being concaved to lie flush with the inner face of the casing rim. The outer portions of the bores |08 are enlarged, resulting in annular seats on which rest the flared heads ||2a of tubular members 2, which fit snugly within the inner portions of, the bores |08, and in which the plungers are slidably disposed. The walls of these tubular members are slotted vertically at at H3, and reciprocating longitudinally in these slots are the projecting ends of stop pins ||3 driven through openings in the pllmgers- Encircling each of the plimgers is a coil spring Hl, having its inner end resting on the adjacent head ||2a of a tubular member ||2.

Moimted at each side of the casing, in bearings 3a oarried by the cover plates 8 and I0 is a rock shaft l5, secured to which arecollars Hi, each having'a radial arm ||1 provided with a fork |l8l straddling the outer end of a plunger rod.` The legs of these forks are bifurcated .as at H3 to straddle pins |20 which project from opposite sid of collars |20a threaded onto the outer cf the plungers and positioned within the forks H0. On each plunger rod, lbetween the outer end of its spring ||4 and its collar |20a, is a washer 2| It will thus be seen'that when the rock shafts H5 are manipulated the plunger rods |06a and 01a will be moved thereby so that their heads |09 Will project from the recesses l0, slightly beyond the inner face of the casing rim and into the paths of travel of the latches 9| and $6.

ends

diametrically opposite points as shown i Extending in parallel relation with one of the rock shafts H5, and above the same, is a rock shaft |22 carried by bearings 22aand l22b, the former being mounted on the adjacent projection |03 and the latter being carried by the cover plate l0. Secured to this rock shaft are two collars |23 provided with forks |24, each of which straddles one of the pins 1| carried by the ears 'l0 of the stator blade reversing rings S2. Thus, when the rock shaft |22 is manipulated, the reversing rings 52 will rotate.`

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a standard 6a is mounted at one end of the baseB and receives one end of the drive shaft l5. Mounted on the upper end of this standard is a bracket |26 which supports one end of a shaft |21 having its other end supported bya bracket |26a mounted on a drive shaft bearing |0c extending from the cover plate |0. Secured to this shaft |21, at one side of the bracket |26a, is a peripherally grooved disk |28 having diametrically opposite |2841 which pass through the walk and pivotally connected within the disk are the ends of adjustable trunnions |29a resting in said slots. The outer ends of these links are pivoted to arms |30 xed on the rock shafts H5, for rocking the same. provide a resilient connection the outer end portion of each of the links |23 is composed of two telescoping members |2Qb and |23c, held in normally extended position by means cf a coil spring |20d. The relative movement of these members is limited by a stop pin |259 passing through a slot in the` inner member and havingitsendsheldin virallsoftheoutermemgroove of this links |29 having a perforated cap |32f. '.lhe link |32 includes a turnbuckle |55for adjusting the same.

Flxedontheshaft |21 isacrankarm |34, having a handle |35 for rocking the shaft.

with the arms m,

Molmted on the outer faces of the projections I |03, and in covering relation to the respective steam ports and |,'are boxes |30 and |31, and mounted on the rim 8, in covering relation to the steam ports [2 and |31, Ipectvely, are boxes |38 and |33. Connecting the boxes |36 and lnisasteampipe (il whichmaybeprovided with a cut-off valve i", while a steam pipe |42 connec the boxes |31 and |30. The main steam conduit which receives its supply from a suitable generator, not shown, is indicated at |63 and is provided with branches Ml and |45 leading, respectively, to the boxes |35 the junction between the branches Ml and |45 is a rotary valve |40 which directs the steam into either of said branches and connected to this valve, for manipulation thereof, is an upwardly extending T-shaped arm |41 having a longitudinal slot |43. The outer end'of this slot is prodvided with lateral branches 8d and|40b extending in opposite directions along the head of the arm. Mounted on the outer end of the shaft |21, beyond the brackets [26, is an arm MR havand |31. l'ri ing a headed pin |50 at its outer end adapted for movement in the slot |48 and its branches, as shown in Figure 2. The outer end of the arm |41 is provided with a handle I| by means of which it may be manually rocked, if necessary. r Covers |52 protect the parts carried by the projections |03.

The operation 'of the engine described herein' is as follows, it being understood that, as illustrated in the drawings, the rotation will be in an anti-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2,.

With the valve |46 in the position shown in Figure 25, .steam passes from the pipe |43 into the' branch |44 to the box |36, thence .to the box |38 through the pipe |40, the valve I4I being' open. From the boxes the steam passes through the ports I I and I2 and impacts against the blades f 39 of the center or primary rotor. This imparts the initial movementto the drive shaft I5 `and likewise all rotors. Having passed the blades 39, the steam is divided at the rib 34 and passes,

in opposite directions, through the ports 36, where it is directed rearwardly by passing between the primary reversing blades 46. ure 1.) It then impacts against the stator blades 64 and expands between the same and the concave end faces of the blades 46, increasing the velocity of the rotating parts. Passing between the stator blades, the steam is again directed forwardly by the inclined stator blade sections 65,

and thrown against the secondary rotor blades 84, thus again accelerating the rotation of "the drive shaft. Not only does the steam now impact against the blades of the secondary rotors, but again expands, this expansion taking place between those blades and the concaved ends of the stator blades. The steam next passes from the secondary rotor blades and is again directed rearwardly by the angle of the sections 85 thereof, so that it impacts against the radial ribs 89, formed on the inner'faces of the cover plates 9 and I0 and again expands between these ribs and the concaved ends of the secondary rotor blades, this timpacting and expansion imparting further force to the drive shaft. The steam then exhausts through the pipes 23 and 24, the exhaust passage 25, and the outlet 26.

It will be noted, by reference to Figure 3, that the blades of the stators andA secondary rotors are gradually increased in area to allow for the reduction in steam pressure resulting from expansion.

When it'is desired to reverse the direction of operation of the engine from that indicated in Figures l and 2, the attendant -swings the arm |41 to the left, by means of the handle: |5I,- until the pin v|50 is in the 'upper end of the slot |48. With the handle |35, he then moves the arm |34 to the right which rocks the shaft |21causing the disks |28 and I3| to rotate and the arm |49 to move to'fthe left, carrying with it the pin |50 which passes down in the slot |48 and swings the arm |41 to the left. This operation is continued until the handle |35 assumes aposition corresponding to that shown in Figure 2, but at the opposite side of the engine. As the pins |29a, of the links |29, are at the'remote ends of the slots |28a, the rotation of the disk |28 will cause outward movement of the links |29 which,l when the springs |29c have been compressed to a sucient degree, will cause the shafts I5 to rock and thus force the plungers I06a and |01a inwardly against the tension of the springs II4,

until their heads |09 are vin the paths of the latches 9| and 96, resulting in theinward swing- (See Figing Yof these latches to disengage them from the lugs 94 `and |00 in thejrecesses 90 and 99.` Due.

outwardly and cause their. wings to engage inA the recesses Lat the opposite sides of the lugs. The movement of the rotors., while the reversing rings are being held, causing the shifting of all of the blades of the rotors, so that they may receive the steam against the faces opposite to those of their former positions. When the pins |29a, at the ends of the links |29, have reached a dead center, they will suddenly pass to-the opposite ends of the slots I28a, thus permitting the springs |I4 to quickly return the heads of the plungers to their seats.

The disk |3`| being also carried by the shaft |21, will rotate with the disk |28 and this will cause an outward movement of the link |32 which will rock the shaft |22 carrying the collars |23, arid cause the 7forks |24 to rotate the stator blade reversing rings 62 through the medium of the pins 1 I, thus reversing the positions of the statortblades 64.

While the movement of the shaft |21 is causing a reversal of the blades in the manner just described, it is also causing the arm |41 to m'ove to the left, carrying with it the rotary valve |46, which closes the passages leading tothe steam pipes |44 and I45,`whi1e the various blades are reversing and then admits steam to the pipe |45 and the ports I3 and |4.l

It will be noted that the springs |29c,` of the links |29', permit of aV cushioning effect when the plungers engage the latches, and that the degree of movement of the plungers may be adjusted by means of the turnbuckles |54. `It

will also be noted that the springs |32a and I32bv will provide a resilient connection between the link |32 and the'arm |33, to permit of a cushioning eiect when the parts for adjusting the blades of the stators have reached their limit of movement.

The valve |4I is provided in, order that the steam may be cut off from the port I2, if desired. A similar valve may be placed in the pipe |42. vAlso, if desired, the.rim portions 3| of the sections 21 and 28 of the primary rotor may be undercut to provide a hollow space 56 extending entirely4 therearound, as' shown'in Figure 30. This space receives steam through a narrow continuous opening 51 between the outermost portions o f the rim members. In this way,v

be supplied direct to any of these rotors, through a port in line therewith, provided for the purpose. This will produce a boosting effect, as will be readilyuunderstood.

It will also be understood that :the engine described herein may be constructed as of the nonreversing type, if desired, in which event all of the blades will be fixed. It will also be understood that numerous changes Ain the details of construction may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A rotary engine including -a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, reversible blades carried by the rotor adapted to deiiect the steam in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotor, a stator, reversible blades on the stator adapted to receive steam from the rotor and to change the direction of rotation thereof, and another rotor receiving steam from the stator.

2. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, flanges on the rotor having steam ports therethrough, blades between the flanges, means constructed to discharge steam against the blades, reversing blades on the rotor adapted to receive steam passing from the ports and arranged to change the direction of travel' thereof, and stators adapted'to receive steam from said reversing blades.

3. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor `ron the shaft having a rim, flanges on the rim, 20

blades between the flanges and pivoted thereto, means constructed to discharge steam against said blades, other blades pivoted to the rim exte- -riorly of said flanges and adapted to receive steam passing from the first mentioned blades, means for swinging the blades on their pivots, a stator adjacent the rotor vand blades on the stator Vand adapted to receive steam passing` from the second mentioned blades. l

4. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor on the shaft having a rim, flanges on the rim, reversible blades between the flanges and pivoted thereto, channels in the inner faces of the flanges, rings adjustably mounted in the channels, connections lbetween the rings and the blades, other reversible blades pivoted to the rim, adjustably mounted rings connected to said other blades, means whereby to adjust said rings' to reverse the blades, a stator adjacent the rotorf/ and blades on thee/stator.

5. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor onthe shaft having a rim, flanges on the rim, reversible blades between the flanges and pivoted thereto, channels in the inner faces of the anges, rings adjustably mounted in the channels, connections between the rings and the\ blades, other reversible blades pivoted to the. rim, adjustably mountedrings'connected tosaid other blades, latches ca'rried by the latter rings for holding the same in adjusted positions, means for manipulating said latches and rings whereby to reverse the blades and a stator adjacent the rotor. Y

, 6. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, reversible blades on the rotor, Arings for reversing the blades, latches carried by the rings, means for manipulating the latches and rings to reverse the blades, and a stator.

7. A rotary steam engine ,including a shaft, a stationary member, a'frotor carried by the shaft, ,reversible blades carried by the rotor and movable with respect thereto, rings adjustably mounted `on .therotor and connected vwith the blades, means carried by the rings for locking the same against movement, and means movable to engagement with the locking means where- A gste release the same and adjust the rings.

8. A rotary engine including a shaft, a stationary member, a rotor carried bythe shaft, reversible blades on the rotor, annular blade reversing means mounted for :rotation around the'shaft and engaging the blades, operating means for the reversing means carried by the A stationary member and movable radially of the shaft into contact with the reversing means for 10. A rotary engine including a shaft,a rotor` on the shaft, flanges on the rotor, reversible blades between the anges and pivoted thereto, reversing rings adjustably mounted between the flanges, connections between the rings and the blades, other reversible blades pivoted to the rim, adjustably mounted reversing rings connected to said other blades, means whereby tol adjust said rings to reverse the blades, a stator adjacent the rotor, and blades on the stator.

l 11, A rotary engine' including a shaft, a rotor Von the shaft, flanges on the rotor, reversible blades between the flanges and pivoted thereto, reversing rings adjustably mounted between the flanges, connections between the rings and the blades, other-reversible blades pivoted to the rim,

adjustably mounted reversing rings connected to said other blades, means connecting the last named reversing rings with the rst named reversing rings means adapted to engage the last named reversing rings for manipulating the same to reverse the blades, a stator adjacent the rotor, and blades on the stator.

12. A rotor for rotary steam engines includingw a rim, spaced circumscribing flanges on the rim having channels in their confronting faces and having passages therethrough, reversing rings slidably mounted in said channels, pivotally connected reversible blade members between the flanges having their pivots in engagement .with said reversing rings, pivots connecting the free ends of the blade members to the flanges at opposite sides of the channels, reversible blades ,on the rim between said passages, and means for reversing the reversible blades and the reversible blade members.

13. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, blades on the rotor, a stator adjacent the rotor, blades on the stator, and means on the rotor for directing the steam between and against said stator` blades, each of said statorblades' having a concave end facing in the direction of travel of the steam.

14. A rotary engine including a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, blades on therotor, a stator adjacent the rotor, blades on the stator, and means on the rotor for directing the steam be tween and against said stator blades, said'stator blades each comprising a pair of members, each of said members having an end connected to an end of theother of said members, the free en d of one of said members having a concave end facing in the direction of travel of the steam, and said members being disposed in mutually diverging relation. Y

15. A r'otary engine comprising a stator, blades on the stator, a shaft, a rotor adjacent the stator and carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, blades on the rotor extending radially thereof, and other blades on h 2,106,871 rthe rotor adapted to receive steam from the first mentioned blades and direct said steam between and against said stator blades, said steam directing blades each having a concave end facing in the direction of travel of the steam.

16. A rotary engine comprising a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the`rotor, blades on the rotor,- a stator adjacent the rotor, blades on the stator, blades on the rotor adapted to receive steam from the first-mentioned rotor blades and to direct saidl steam between and against the rotor blades, a second rotor on tle shaft adjacent the stator, blades on the second rotor adapted to receive steam from the stator blades, said last-named blades each having a concave end'facing in the direction of travel of the steam, and a stator adapted to receive steam from the second-named rotor. I

1'1. A blade for rotary steam engines comprising a pair of members, each of said members having an end pivoted to the end of the other of said members, and one of said members having a concave end face parallel with the pivot of the members.

18. A blade for rotary steam engines comprising a pair of members, each of said members having an end connected to an end of the other of said members, the free end of .one of said members having a concave end face, and said members being disposed in mutually diverging relation.

19. A blade for rotary engines comprising a pair of members disposed in mutually diverging relation, and means connecting an end of vone of said members with an end of the other of said members.

20. A rotary engine comprising a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, blades on the rotor, a stator adjacent the rotor, blades on the stator, blades on the rotor adapted to receive steam from the first' mentioned rotor blades and to direct'said steam between and against the rotor blades, a second rotor on the shaft adjacent the stator, blades on the second rotor adapted to receive steam from the stator blades, said last-named blades each comprising a pair of members extending in mutually diverging relation, and a stator adapted to receive steam from the secondnamed rotor.

421. A rotary engine comprising a shaft, a rotor carried by the shaft, means constructed to direct steam to the rotor, blades on the rotor, a stator adjacent the rotor, blades on the stator, blades on the rotor adapted to receive steam from the rst-mentioned rotor blades and to direct said steam between and againstv the rotor blades, a second rotor on the shaft adjacent the stator, blades on the second rotor adapted to receive steam from the stator blades, said last-named blades each comprising a pair of members extending in mutually diverging relation, one of said members having a concave end facing in the direction of travel of the steam, and a stator adapted to receive steam from said second-named rotor.

LESLIE W. DOWNWARD. 

